Coughing in children makes parents worry? overcome with these 6 steps!

Children often have coughs. Not infrequently, coughing in this child makes parents worry. Then, what should parents do when a child has a cough? Let's find out more below.

What causes cough in children?

Coughing is a defense mechanism of the respiratory tract from stimulation of cough receptors. Coughing in children is caused by several things. It could be due to a respiratory tract infection due to viruses, cigarette smoke, dust, or other chemicals. In addition, there are also coughs caused by acid reflux, sinusitis, or even because your child is allergic.

Tips for a child's cough to recover quickly

Of course, there are tips for relieving a child's cough so that it gets better quickly. When a child coughs, parents can do the following:

1. The child must be well rested

When coughing in children occurs, the child needs to get adequate rest. The length of the rest depends on the severity of the cough and the severity of other symptoms, such as fever or runny nose. When catching a cough, children usually need 2-3 days to rest.

Make sure the child rest at home with enough sleep and not undergoing activities that can slow down the healing of a cough. Therefore, first play less outside the house.

Adequate rest and sleep is one of the keys to healing coughs. However, in children it is not easy, especially if the little one is classified as active.

Whether a child needs to be absent from school can be seen from how bad the cough is. If the cough occurs repeatedly until the child's condition is faint, it is better to rest at home for 1-2 days until the cough symptoms improve.

2. Drink a special cough medicine for children

Handling of cough in children depends on the underlying cause. Providing cough medicine must pay attention to the type of medicine, how many doses, how many times a day it should be given, and how long to take the cough medicine.

Giving cough medicine should first consult a doctor. Generally coughs are often caused by viruses, which usually heal on their own without having to be treated with drugs (self limiting disease).

In the meantime, parents can give cough medicine to a child that is purchased at a pharmacy. However, choose a cough medicine that is specially formulated for children, and one that suits your child's cough type. Choosing the right medicine according to the cause of the child's cough can speed healing.

Generally, the dose of cough medicine for children from doctors is given varies based on the child's age. However, it's a good idea to check with a pediatrician to find out the right dose of cough medicine based on your child's condition.

Meanwhile, if you want to provide over-the-counter cough medicines that are sold in the market, parents must follow the rules for use on the packaging label. Remember, always use a measuring spoon. Do not use another spoon for the child to drink cough medicine.

It is important to follow the instructions for using the medicine, do not exceed or reduce the dosage recommended in the packaging for the cough medicine for children. If you have taken medicine and your cough doesn't go away in 1-2 weeks, take your child to the doctor immediately.

3. Give the child enough fluids

To treat a child who is coughing, parents can also make sure the child drinks enough water to prevent dehydration. Parents can also provide adequate breast milk if the little one is still consuming breast milk. Do not let the child become dehydrated because this condition can make the cough in the child worse.

4. Avoid foods or drinks that cause coughs

When a child has a cough, avoid consuming certain foods and drinks. For example, sweet drinks, cold drinks, and fried foods. It is advisable to provide warm soup that can avoid coughing due to itching in the throat.

5. Keep children away from allergens

If the child has symptoms of an allergic cough, avoid allergens (allergy triggers) in children. Also pay attention to the cleanliness of the mattress and the home environment. Generally, dust, mold, and pet dander easily stick to the sofa or mattress, which can cause a child to cough because of recurring allergies.

6. Choose the most comfortable sleeping position

Try the child to sleep with the head slightly raised. So, prop the child's head with a high pillow while sleeping and avoid sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your back can make mucus build up in the throat and interfere with your child's breathing.

When to see a doctor

The following are cough symptoms that must be taken to a pediatrician immediately:

The child has a cough accompanied by a high fever
The child has difficulty breathing due to coughing
Whooping cough
Chest pain
Children find it difficult or don't want to eat
The child coughs up blood
The child has a cough accompanied by vomiting

It is important to see a doctor if the cough in children has lasted more than 2 weeks. In addition, if the cough recurs for more than 3 consecutive months, parents are required to have their child checked by a doctor for further treatment.